Visiting Cuba Before it All Changes

Going to Cuba as a Canadian never really intrigued me. I had foolishly thought it was just an island with nice beaches with cheap all-inclusive packages. Which, I learned this past May, is only part of it.

Selling Cuba to Americans (illegally, shhh) allowed me to begin to understand the draw. Cuba isn't just about beaches for Americans - it's about history, culture and the forbidden fruit. Experiencing 13 days in Western Cuba (Havana, Vinales Valley, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santa Clara) allowed me to experience the food, the life of the people, music and a few too many mojitos. I was happy to explore the island (even if it was way too hot) before the floodgates open and things change. I'd highly recommend visiting it now - but if you go, you have to remember a few things:

-Cuba hotels are not like North American, European or even Asian hotels. Don't expect a 5 star property even if you are paying a ton for it...

-Service is not what you are used to because people aren't paid enough to care...

-Don't expect gourmet food

-Do expect incredible, kind people

-Drink the rum (yum)

-Don't be afraid to stay at beautiful Casa Particulares

-Don't be embarrassed if you can't dance anything like Cubans...they were born shaking their hips like that

-Don't forget to bring small gifts, tokens and things like pens and soap to give to people you meet

Explore my journey to Cuba through photos...